When it comes to Major League Soccer, one name has been on and off at the top of the scoring charts, inspiring fans and frustrating defenders alike. That name, of course, is Josef Martínez. But the question on everyone’s mind now is: Will we see the headline, “Josef Martínez Breaks MLS Goals Record”?

With 52 goals still standing between him and the desired record, can the 31-year-old striker defy the odds and carve his name into MLS history? After all, the road to the top hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for the Venezuelan forward. Let’s take a closer look at his journey and whether or not he’s got what it takes to break the record.

The King’s Early Years: 30+ Goals, Back-to-Back Seasons

Josef Martínez was once an unstoppable force in MLS. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he netted a jaw-dropping 30 plus goals, solidifying his status as one of the best strikers in the league. But even before those impressive campaigns, he had already showcased his scoring ability with 20 goals in Atlanta’s inaugural season preceding those two. It was clear: Martinez was a man on a mission, and that mission was to tear up the MLS record books.

The 2020 Setback: A Knee Injury That Changed Everything

Just when it seemed like Josef’s quest for greatness would continue, tragedy struck. In February 2020, Martinez suffered a season-ending knee injury that sidelined him for what would be a long and grueling recovery process. Up until the injury, he had scored two goals in the season, but after that, things took a dramatic turn.

Knee injuries are a cruel thing for athletes, and recovering from them is no easy task. Josef’s return to form in the following seasons was slow and steady, but it was clear that he wasn’t the same explosive player he had once been. In his first season back, he managed to score 12 goals, but the following years saw his numbers dip further: 9 goals in the next season, and then, the unthinkable Atlanta United decided to part ways with their star.

New Beginnings: the Search for a Home

After leaving Atlanta, Josef Martínez joined Inter Miami in 2023, where he put in a respectable 12 goal performance. However, the arrival of Lionel Messi and his superstar entourage made it clear that Josef no longer quite fit the Miami picture. In a team dominated by Messi, it was hard for anyone else to shine, and Josef’s time in Miami was short-lived.

But hey, that’s soccer for you, right? When one door closes, another opens. And for Martínez, that door was CF Montréal. He scored 14 goals for Le CFM, a team that, while not necessarily bad, wasn’t exactly a juggernaut either. It was a decent stint, but Montréal and Josef ultimately decided to go their separate ways at the end of the season.

A Fresh Start in San Jose: The Return of the Hat Trick Hero

Now, at 31 years old, Josef Martínez has found a new home with San Jose Earthquakes. Alongside teammates like Cristian Arango and Christian Espinoza, Josef has entered a new chapter in his career. It hasn’t been the smoothest season for San Jose, but on Matchday 7, Josef reminded us all of his old self. He scored his 7th career MLS hat trick in a sensational 6-1 victory over D.C. United, bringing his season tally to 4 goals and we’re just getting started.

This hat trick performance has many wondering: Could Josef Martínez, once again, become the MLS goal-scoring machine of old? Maybe, just maybe, the record is still within his reach

The Odds Against Josef: Age, Injuries, and Father Time

Let’s not sugarcoat it: There are a few significant obstacles standing between Josef and the all-time goal-scoring record. At 31 years old, time is no longer on his side. Strikers tend to peak in their mid-20s, and after a series of debilitating injuries, it’s hard to argue that Martinez is in his prime.

But there’s more to the equation than just age and injuries there’s his family. Specifically, his young child has become a major source of inspiration and motivation. Since becoming a father, Josef has spoken about how fatherhood has changed his perspective on life and soccer. His child has given him a new sense of purpose on the field, pushing him to work even harder to achieve his goals. It’s clear that this newfound motivation is something that could help him defy expectations.

That being said, soccer fans know that Josef is not your average player. He has always been underestimated, doubted, and written off and time and time again since his injury, he’s proven everyone wrong, to an extent. This man knows how to find the back of the net when it matters, and that relentless drive may be enough to push him closer to the record than anyone expects.

Will Josef Break the Scoring Record?

In short, it’s possible. It’s hard to bet against him. Yes, his age and injuries make the task daunting, but Josef has defied expectations for years, and if anyone can pull off a shocker, I think it’s him. The King has shown time and time again that he doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Let’s not forget, this is a player who started his MLS career with a bang, exploded with goals in his first few seasons, faced setbacks, and still found ways to score even when the odds were stacked against him.

Will he get to the record? We don’t know. But one thing’s for sure: If Josef Martínez sets his sights on that record, he’s going to give it everything he’s got. And honestly, that’s the kind of determination that makes watching him worth it no matter what the final tally is, I will always be cheering for him.

So, will we one day read, “Josef Martínez Breaks MLS Scoring Record”? Only time will tell. But if anyone’s going to make it happen, it’s the man who was once the King of Atlanta.